Greetings!The purpose of Trinity Memorial is to be the heart, hands and feet of God in the world ... work and play, word and action ... 
from the rector
Swimming while White …

Did you ever feel like a "fish out of water"? At the least it’s not comfortable and at the other end it can be downright suffocating; even life-threatening. Now think about turning the phrase around and realize that a "fish in water" doesn’t know or even think there is anything different. It’s normal and life-giving.
In our recent conversations about the effects of systemic racism in the US on all of us, we may be missing the most salient characteristics particularly because those of us with lighter skin tone are unable to recognize the effects of that system because we are "swimming in the water" of normalcy.
 
I have been fortunate to work with the acclaimed organization Visions, Inc. since I was in seminary, and have worked hard to "see" the water in which I live and then to appreciate the way others experience our common multicultural world from different viewpoints.

As an organization of Christ-followers the church (and I think each of us) share their vision “to be a catalyst for a more equitable world where differences are valued and used for the benefit of all.” Part of their mission statement is, they are here "To help create environments where differences are recognized, understood, appreciated, and utilized for the benefit of all." Read more …

I invite you to continue the conversation with me this Sunday at 11:30 with some thoughts you might prepare ahead about: How were you taught what it means to be White (to swim in the water)? HERE is a video that might help you recognize some of the ways we learn culture as children talk about differences.

Let us, like Peter, Mary, Andrew, Martha and Paul, discover anew the multifaceted Jesus that we follow.
 
May peace prevail, Donna+
As you know, our sanctuary space is neither being rented for events nor used for worship during these strange months. I have listened to reports that some parents are looking for space to gather 6-10 children and pay tutors to educate them part time. If you know a someone who is looking for a space to teach a small group (pod) of children in the neighborhood, (or for some similar use) please contact me or give them my info: RectorTMC@gmail.com. TCUL and TMC will work together to help the community in any way we can.
 
Remember to connect with one another! Phone calls, cards, email are all ways to remind each other that we are not alone. 

More voting info (in case you aren't already deluged!):

REMINDER: There will be no 9:00 prayer gatherings for children for the next few weeks as everyone takes long-needed vacation time. The next 9:00 service is September 13 with new songs, prayers and stories. Everyone is welcome at 10:30, same link. Or come at 11:15 for coffee hour and get to meet old or new friends. 
Diana's column "Under a rest" is too good to miss.
Here is a sample:

I believe in you! It is interesting to consider the question Jesus asks, "Who do you say that I am?" I often take it for granted that Jesus is Jesus, and it was refreshing to take a step back and really consider the question last Sunday - and by reconsidering the question, to reaffirm my beliefs.  

Our music explored this theme, with our amazing Choir singing "Jesu, Jesu" and "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." Following the sermon, I played a Mozart Minuet and for offertory, a song entitled "I Believe in You."  

I believe in us! I am excited to see everyone next Sunday for more amazing music. We are offering something special by the Choir because one of our members is leaving us to go off to college. We will miss her, but I hope that you will all join me to celebrate her last Sunday with us in Philadelphia! 

for Diana's weekly column with choir selections, go to Facebook page: Trinity Memorial church or click on the Facebook icon at bottom of page

"Through Our Eyes” — what TMC means to me and why we are here.
 
The vestry team who are working with Partners for Sacred Places (PSP) appreciated the opportunity to talk with the congregation at 11:30 two weeks ago. There were some wonderful, tentative ideas about our cultural heritage were expressed. I kept notes and made a list, not using people’s name. Remember that we invited people to flesh out their ideas by jotting down anecdotes, memories, highlights. Stories have yet to be submitted; perhaps a gentle reminder ...
 
We are re-issuing the call for stories. Please use the ideas in our list as a jumping off point and send your stories about Trinity to Sallie.vanMerkensteijn@verizon.net
 
Here are some of the “Through our eyes” comments:
- the sign which said “Volunteers needed” promised opportunities to be involved
- relationship; God calls me to be in this place, and I come to listen to God and to hope
- our heritage is one of volunteerism
- this place is in my neighborhood and I believe it’s important to attend the church closest to where you live
- the ministry of feeding people
- the angels look like people I know; I can sit in church and see my friends as angels from God
- TMC’s heritage is one of re-inventing ourselves and forging new identities
- church means remembering the dear people who have died
- inclusive music
- self-understanding
- TMC’s message of sharing; 
- when Cholly Penniman created the mosaic, he was mindful that each piece was unique and individual, just like the people in church
- communion in the round, a real family meal, everyone waits for everyone else to be served. This manifests the equality and respect we all share in that forum. No-one is first or last. We are all children of God, brothers and sisters with Jesus
- PSP discovered and was inspired by TMC when it remade itself after the fire
 
When we have gathered a few stories, we will publish them, one each week, in the newsletter. 
 
Thank you in advance, Sallie vanMerkensteijn with the PSP team
send your stories about Trinity to Sallie.vanMerkensteijn@verizon.net
Deacon's corner
It would be great if I could ignore the events of the world and just write about uplifting spiritual topics. Each week I hope to do that and then the world crashes in to my reality. This week we are confronting another police shooting of a black man (in front of his children!), a category 4 hurricane in the middle of a pandemic and a political spectacle disseminating half truths and lies. It feels very bleak and some days as if I have been transported to a sinister alternate reality. One way I cope is to pull out my well worn copy of Lord of the Rings, a story oozing with friendship, courage, victory over evil and hope. In a moment of deep despair for the heroes, Tolkien writes about Sam: “There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tor high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach." This conviction that the future holds a light of hope beyond the anguish of the present is of course a very Christian belief; one we can hold on to when we feel despondent. John Lewis urged us "Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic." The gospel of John promises us: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
Pax,
Deacon Lynn
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Worship leaders 8.30.20
9:00
Suspended until 9/13
10:30
Readers: Phyllis, Tom
Prayers: Sharon
Preacher: Rev. Donna
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August
21 Rachel C-D
24 Sallie vanM
Lynn Czarniecki
25 Idg Burt

September
1 Tim Rivinus
Worship
Zoom LINK for prayer gatherings Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday.
 
Sundays: 9:00 children ages 0-7 and their families suspended until 9/13
10:30 everyone welcome; hymns led by the TMC choir, prayers, sermon, coffee hour, all on Zoom
Wednesdays 9:00 Morning Coffee & Prayer
Thursdays 5:30 Evening Prayer
Prayer is the most powerful tool we have when we can't be there personally for friend or stranger ...

Please pray healing and support especially for: Mark, Sarah W, Sasha, Shirley, Bill, Travis, Luca, Sallie & Jim W., Jack & Katie & Brad, Mike and Sandy, Lynn, Andrea, Susan W., Myriam & Eldridge, Barbara & Roger, Kate, Richard, Chris, Piswast
Grace for those who have died and all who mourn
Stamina and creativity for all essential workers, especially teachers, clerks, IT professionals, trash collectors, medical personnel, delivery, bankers, restaurant employees ...
As you prayerfully consider your financial support for the work and presence that Trinity provides, please use this link
Designate your gift for:
Pledge
Special Fund
Rector's Discretionary Fund
General Fund for expenses
Other
Our building is closed but the church is still open!
We continue to pray together and worship by moving our services online. We are also keeping our staff employed, repairing and readying for building rentals and and all activity to resume.
While our physical gathering is limited please do not neglect to provide for the work of the church with your financial contributions.
You may send a check in the mail, make a direct payment through your banking online platform or click on the button to go directly to our secure online service.
Trinity Memorial www.trinityphiladelphia.org
Rentals: events@trinityphiladelphia.org
Rev. Donna: RectorTMC@gmail.com
Donna 330.766.5904
Deacon Lynn: revlynn22@gmail.com
Lynn 908.217.6365
Office: Admin@trinityphiladelphia.org